The Finance Minister says US companies can play a major role in the development of infrastructure sector in the country. Pranab Mukherjee said during a meeting with the US commerce secretary Gary Locke who met him in New Delhi. He said that these companies can make large investment through export of equipment and establishing joint venture companies to accelerate the development of infrastructure. An amount of three trillion dollars is needed in the infrastructure sector in the 12th plan. Finance Minister said that there is a large potential for further expanding the relationship mainly in the economic and financial sector. He mentioned about various steps taken by US administration to further strengthen their strategic partnership. He specifically mentioned about removal of ISRO and DRDO from its entities list.

Mukherjee appreciated the USA leadership for supporting India’s claim for permanent membership in UN Security Council. Speaking on the occasion Locke said that India and USA can further expand their relationship in agriculture, weather forecasting, multi combat aircraft and economic and financial sector .He also held talks with the Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi.

Anand Sharma during his talks with Locke raised the issue of visa fee hike by the US, emphasizing the Obama administration not take any step detrimental to the interests of Indian IT professionals. Locke is leading a 24-member high level US business delegation, which is also scheduled to visit Mumbai and Bangalore.

An official press release says in his meeting with Mr. Vayalar Ravi the visiting US Commerce Secretary informed that the Executive Agreement for the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the two sides may be signed very soon.